Mic Comparison: Rode NT2-a vs. Rode NT1

I made a small comparison between the Rode NT1 (black) and the Rode NT2-A, two condenser microphones made by RØDE in Australia.
🎤 Microphones used:
- Rode NT1 (amzn.to/3CU4tvZ)*
- Rode NT2-A (amzn.to/3sk2cVQ)*
🕒 TIME STAMPS:
1:30 NT2-a Vocals
2:00 NT1 Vocals
2:30 NT2-a Acoustic
2:49 NT1 Acoustic
Interface:
- MOTU M4 (amzn.to/3m9ws4K)*
Acoustic Guitar: Crafter DLX-3000SK
No effects and EQ used.
* Links marked with "*" are affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through those links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@shingAMarie]

thanks for this. the nt1 just sounds less brighter and more bassy. both sound good on your voice.

[@richrich1k]

One of the best mic reviews on KZbin. I wish I could like this video more than once.

[@RamonZarete]

Great demo, thanks!

[@DavidJamesKing]

You did great Simon! Awesome.

[@Aresmusic.official]

Came for the comparison, ended up getting chill with the "Smile"! And you got yourself a new sub ✨

[@fredrikjonasson6145]

you helped me decide my final choice of microphones, thanks a lot

[@hiu6429]

Love your singing tone. So Earthly

[@parkerhunter22]

NT1 for vocals, NT2A for acoustic

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Correct findings.

[@worldgonewrong2049]

Good review. I own an use both these fine microphones in my home studio. I also use an NTK and a pair of NT 55's, so I guess I like Rode mics... Both the NT1 and NT2a are very good in their own right. Depending on the source, and what else is going on in the recording, I choose the mic(s) that will sit best in the mix. Much of that is dependent on the mic's character. Once you know your mics, you can use that information to create the textures you want. There's really no right or wrong mic, per se, but really a question of what character fits overall sound you are going for. It often occurs that what the NT1 was providing one day on one song, is not favorable for the next, and the NT2a, or the NTK work better. All vocalists don't all fit one mic, just because that mic is 'good'. One thing for sure, it's sure a lot of fun painting the landscape with all these great mics available to us in such abundance, and fairly affordable!

[@eastrecords9303]

Good one !!!

[@jtg_hd]

Finally something that I acutally searched

[@gulkostudio]

Nice singing. Thanks!

[@SimonSchuett]

Thank you 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@Chris-12423]

I got the same result as you.. NT1 sounds flat, NT2A sounds almost "3D". Other reviews make the NT1 seems like it's as good as NT2A, I'm not sure how, or why.. but there's a huge difference between the two.

[@ToXball]

great video, your singing remind me the great Chet Baker voice, better translated in the NT2a. Thanks for this comparison, for my taste the NT2a have more caracter and life on both examples. ;)

[@bboyging]

for mw nt1 smother on vocal, and nt2a has more pleasant sparkle on acoustic. which one do you prefer when you play guiatr and sing at the same time?

[@SimonSchuett]

I prefer the NT2a on acoustic, but I think the NT1 sounds just as good with a little bit of EQ in the higher frequencies. I haven’t tried singing and playing into the NT1 at the same time, yet. But with the NT2a that worked pretty well.

[@bboyging]

@@SimonSchuett thanks~~

[@callmedeno]

nt2a best acoustic guitar mic I've ever used

[@ALORRECORD]

good

[@Rs_Music_Dk]

Iove rode NT 1

[@dfreek]

Hey i am a singer so which mic will be good for me Nt 1 signature series or Nt2 i m getting these in same price so please tell me ?

[@andrasvargas]

NT 1 is more pleasant, musical. I like that natural sound.

[@SimonSchuett]

Yes, I prefer it, too. I am going to keep the NT1. It also weighs significantly less than the NT2a.

[@andrasvargas]

@@SimonSchuett I m curious to other records in future with the NT1 black. Thanks.

[@rylandweet7750]

Won’t lie , I have an at4050 and the nt1 is more musical on vocals , just sounds like 5x better imo

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

NTI is BETTER.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

@@andrasvargas NT1 is better.

[@gRosh08]

Well done! 4 me 100% NT1, but what do I know?

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Correct.

[@gRosh08]

@@HarvinderSingh-yy8th Good news... right?

[@jasonhe6947]

For acoustic guitar, NT2-a sounds very thin, not as full as NT1

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

I prefer GTZ U 87.

[@slowmotionsports2193]

2:30 Could someone tell me what those chords are?

[@SimonSchuett]

A and Amaj7, or with a capo in the 3rd fret: C and Cmaj7

[@janikhan7624]

Sir Rode N T 2 is Good 👍🏻

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

No NTI is better. Pl. go through reviews.

[@palmaprod.4975]

Nt1 vs Aston Origin?

[@joseyang5098]

I’m also very curious about this comparison since both Rode NT1 and Aston Origin are designed to be monitoring microphones and have very flat and neutral sound signature. I have compared the sound signatures of both microphones and found them so similar. Both are really very flat, only have very slight boost on high end (about 10KHz) and drop low end at around 30 Hz.

[@SimonSchuett]

I'll do a review if I get my hands on an Orgin, but currently, I'm not planning on buying one. I might however have a closer look at Aston's small diaphragm condenser, the Aston Starlight. It's got a laser built-in and reminds me of a lightsabre. Oh, and it's supposed to sound great on acoustic, too.

[@rylandweet7750]

I’d go for the nt1. I’ve found all of Aston mics to have this annoying high end sound that just bothers me, I know the nt1 may be a tab sibilant but the sibilance sounds good!

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

NT1 beats Astons.

[@shon227]

Rode nt1 sounds better

[@tcause]

NT1 on vocal all day.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Corrrecct.

[@teashea1]

awful audio quality of the video

[@SimonSchuett]

Yes, you’re right. Sorry about that. Unfortunately, the recording didn’t went as planned with the lav mic I was using. I hope I‘ve since improved the audio quality (check out my newer videos).